Strawberries and Cream Trifle (Easy Strawberry Cake Dessert)

Make an easy strawberries and cream trifle with strawberry cake, fresh berries, vanilla pudding mousse, and whipped topping. Perfect for parties and showers!

There's something about a beautiful glass bowl filled with layers of pink cake, sweet strawberries, and fluffy cream that makes an ordinary day feel like a celebration!

This easy Strawberries and Cream Trifle starts with cubes of strawberry cake, two cans of strawberry pie filling, fresh berries, and a simple vanilla mousse made from instant pudding and whipped topping. Layer everything together, add a few pretty decorations, and you've got a dessert that's every bit as delicious as it is colorful.

And the best part? You don't need any fancy decorating skills to make it!

A Pretty Pink Dessert That's Perfect for Sharing

I've been having the best time experimenting with chiffon cakes lately. After making my Strawberry Chiffon Cake from a Boxed Cake Mix, I started thinking about other ways to use that wonderfully light, fluffy cake. And then it hit me. Why not turn it into a trifle?

My granddaughters have always loved light, airy cakes, especially when whipped cream is involved. There's something about that soft cake-and-cream combination that appeals to children and adults alike.

So I decided to take my strawberry chiffon cake, cut it into cubes, and layer it with sweet strawberry filling, fresh berries, and a fluffy vanilla mousse.

The result was this beautiful Strawberries and Cream Trifle!

I especially love how the pink cake looks against the creamy white filling and bright red strawberries. It's the sort of dessert that makes you smile before you've even taken the first bite. And believe me, there's plenty to smile about here!

Why You'll Love This Strawberries and Cream Trifle

It's beautiful without being difficult. The colorful layers do most of the decorating for you.

It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert. A little time in the refrigerator allows the cake to absorb some of the sweet strawberry filling.

It feeds a crowd. A big glass bowl of trifle is perfect for parties, showers, church gatherings, and family celebrations.

It's kid-friendly. Children love the sweet strawberry flavor, fluffy cake, and creamy mousse. They can even help assemble the layers!

You can use shortcuts. Although I made mine with strawberry chiffon cake, you can use another strawberry cake if that's what you have available.

Ingredients for Strawberries and Cream Trifle

You won't believe how easily this pretty dessert comes together!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 whole strawberry chiffon cake, completely cooled and cut into cubes
• 2 cans (21 ounces each) strawberry pie filling
• 1 small box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 8 ounces prepared whipped topping, thawed and divided
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

That's it! Just a handful of ingredients for a dessert that looks like something from a bakery display case.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Trifle

This dessert comes together in a few easy steps. The most important thing is to have all your ingredients prepared before you begin layering.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cake

Start with one completely cooled strawberry cake.

Cut it into bite-sized cubes and set aside approximately ¼ cup of cake crumbs for decorating the top.

If you're using my Strawberry chiffon cake recipe, you'll notice how soft and springy the cake is. That's exactly what makes it so lovely in this dessert.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Strawberries

Wash and dry the strawberries.

Set aside several attractive whole berries for decorating. Remove the tops from the remaining strawberries and slice them.

Toss the sliced berries with approximately ¼ cup powdered sugar. Set them aside while you prepare the mousse.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Mousse

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups cold milk.

Allow the pudding to thicken according to the package directions.

Once thickened, gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping (approximately 4 ounces).

The result is a sweet, fluffy vanilla mousse that's lighter than ordinary pudding but still rich and creamy.

Reserve the remaining whipped topping for decorating.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Open both cans of strawberry pie filling and have them ready for layering.

Step 5: Begin Layering the Trifle

Place a layer of strawberry cake cubes in the bottom of a large glass trifle bowl.

Spoon a generous amount of strawberry pie filling over the cake.

Add a layer of vanilla mousse, spreading it gently across the filling.

Arrange some of the sliced fresh strawberries around the inside edge of the bowl, pressing them lightly against the glass so they'll be visible from the outside.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Continue layering the remaining cake cubes, strawberry filling, vanilla mousse, and fresh strawberries.

Don't worry if the layers aren't perfectly even. Trifles are supposed to look homemade, and all those beautiful colors and textures are part of their charm.

Finish with a layer of strawberry pie filling, leaving some of that bright red color visible on top.

Step 7: Decorate the Top

Transfer the remaining whipped topping to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip.

Pipe little rosettes or dollops across the surface of the trifle.

Sprinkle the reserved strawberry cake crumbs over the top, then tuck a whole fresh strawberry into each rosette.

I deliberately left some of the strawberry filling showing between the whipped cream decorations. The contrast of red, pink, and white makes the finished dessert especially pretty!

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours before serving.

This gives the flavors time to mingle and allows the cake to soften slightly as it absorbs the strawberry filling.

Serve chilled, using a large spoon to scoop down through all those delicious layers.

A Sweet Treat for Showers, Celebrations, and Family Gatherings

Can you imagine this pretty pink dessert sitting on the table at a baby girl shower?

I certainly can!

It would also be lovely for a bridal shower, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, a birthday party, or a summertime family gathering.

And don't forget church potlucks! A big bowl of strawberries and cream is always a welcome addition to the dessert table.

But here's something I love even more: this is a dessert children can help make.

My granddaughters have always enjoyed light cakes and whipped cream, so I can easily imagine them having fun putting together the layers of this trifle.

Little ones can help arrange the cake cubes, scatter fresh berries, and spoon on the filling. Older children can help make the vanilla mousse and decorate the top.

You could even turn the whole thing into a family project!

And if a few strawberry slices end up crooked or the mousse doesn't spread perfectly? That's perfectly fine.

Sometimes the sweetest memories come from the fun of making something together.

Can You Make This Trifle Ahead of Time?

Absolutely!

In fact, I recommend making this dessert several hours before you plan to serve it.

The strawberry filling gradually soaks into the cake, making every bite sweet and moist.

You can assemble the trifle earlier in the day and refrigerate it until your guests arrive. Making it the night before is also an option, although the cake will become softer as it sits.

For the freshest appearance, you can wait until shortly before serving to add the final whipped cream decorations and whole strawberries.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about trifles is how easily you can adapt them.

Use a different strawberry cake. My chiffon cake is especially light and airy, but another strawberry cake will work if you don't have time to make chiffon.

Try vanilla cake. A simple white or vanilla cake would create a strawberries-and-cream flavor similar to strawberry shortcake.

Add cream cheese. For a cheesecake-inspired variation, try incorporating a little softened cream cheese into the pudding filling. This would change the texture, so adjust the mixture until it's smooth and spreadable.

Make individual trifles. Layer the ingredients in clear dessert cups or small jars for parties and showers.

Change the pudding flavor. White chocolate or cheesecake-flavored instant pudding could be delicious alternatives to vanilla.

I haven't tested all these variations yet, but they're fun possibilities for future baking adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular strawberry cake instead of chiffon cake?

Yes! Any fully baked and cooled strawberry cake can work in this recipe. I especially love chiffon cake because of its light, airy texture, but a standard strawberry cake is a convenient alternative.

Do I have to use two cans of strawberry pie filling?

I used two full 21-ounce cans, which gave my trifle plenty of strawberry flavor and those beautiful red layers. You can reduce the amount if you prefer a less fruity dessert, but the result will differ from my version.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, although homemade whipped cream is less stable and may soften more quickly. For a make-ahead trifle, stabilized whipped cream would be a better substitute.

Can I make this trifle the day before serving?

Yes. Cover it well and refrigerate overnight. The cake will absorb more moisture from the filling, so expect a softer texture.

How long will strawberry trifle keep in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2–3 days for the best texture and appearance. Keep the dessert refrigerated rather than leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Can I freeze strawberries and cream trifle?

I wouldn't recommend it. The pudding mousse, fresh strawberries, and whipped topping can change texture after freezing and thawing.

Can children help make this recipe?

Definitely! This is a wonderful family-friendly dessert. Children can help layer the cake, spoon on the filling, arrange strawberries, and decorate the top, with adult supervision as needed.

Love Trifles? Here Are More to Try!

If you love desserts made with beautiful layers of cake, cream, and other sweet treats, I've got more recipes for you to explore!

Cookie Butter Trifle: A creamy, cookie-filled dessert that's perfect for anyone who loves the rich, spiced flavor of cookie butter.

Delicious Mint Oreo Trifle: Layers of chocolatey cookies and creamy filling make this a fun dessert for chocolate and mint lovers.

DIY Cupcake Trifles: A playful way to turn cupcakes and other sweet ingredients into individual layered desserts. These are especially fun for parties and family gatherings.

And there's another one coming soon: a Caramel Apple Trifle filled with cozy fall flavors!

Calling All Strawberry Lovers!

If you're as fond of strawberry desserts as I am, you'll want to explore my Best Strawberry Desserts: Easy Recipes for Every Occasion.

From pretty pink cakes and cookies to fruity bars and other delicious treats, you'll find plenty of strawberry inspiration for spring, summer, and every celebration in between.

And if you're curious about the cake that inspired this trifle, don't miss my Strawberry Chiffon Cake (Easy Doctored Cake Mix). It's a wonderful example of how an ordinary boxed cake mix can become something light, fluffy, and extraordinary!

Thanks for Stopping By!

I hope you'll give this easy Strawberries and Cream Trifle a try! Whether you're making it for a baby shower, Valentine's Day, a family dinner, or simply because you're craving something sweet and fruity, I think you'll love those pretty pink and white layers.

And if you have children or grandchildren who enjoy helping in the kitchen, invite them to join you. This is the kind of dessert that's just as much fun to make as it is to eat.

Happy baking, friends!